i have welcomed the announcement that there will be an additional £1.3 billion for schools funding over two years – helping to create more good school places in the constituency.

Education Secretary Justine Greening today announced the boost to the core schools budget, which will deliver the biggest improvement to the school funding system for well over a decade.

This additional funding to fairer schools funding will mean an increase in the basic amount that every pupil will get, protected funding for those with high needs and will ensure every local authority is in a position to give schools a cash increase through the new formula.

This means that, working with teachers and schools across the country, we can continue to raise standards and give every child the best possible education, and the best opportunities for their future.

I commented:

"The Conservatives are committed to ending the postcode lottery of school funding – so all children receive the education they deserve, wherever they live. We will ensure that every secondary school attracts at least £4,800 per pupil during this period, in response to the views we heard through the consultation.

"As we said in our manifesto, no school will lose any funding as result of the new formula. We will go further than this, and provide for a 0.5% cash increase for every school in 2018-19 and 2019-20. Those schools that have been underfunded will see increases of up to 3% in both years.

"Today's announcement sends a clear message that we are committed to raising standards and giving every child the best possible education and the best possible opportunities for their future."